Episode 02: Understanding When To Take On Board Roles with Sandra Dodds

Non Executive Director Insider Insights

Just like any other role, a board role requires dedication and hard work. To prepare for this responsibility, it’s important to understand whether you’re ready to venture into a board role.

In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Sandra Dodds. At the time of this recording, Sandra had recently transitioned from her full time operational CEO to professional full time Non Executive Director. She was serving on the boards of Snowy Hydro; a Government Business Enterprise, and think tank ‘Infrastructure Partners’ and behind the scenes was busy building a board portfolio.

By immersing in a new environment, Sandra realised the importance of ensuring the role aligns with passion, interests, and values. This provides some guarantee of being equipped and prepared to handle business conflicts that may arise in the future.

A board role is not an easy endeavour, so you need to be certain it’s the path you want to take. Sandra’s advice and experience help you to evaluate board positions and to gauge some of the potential challenges that come with it.

In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:

• Some challenges you need to be prepared for as a Non Executive Director
• The changes of transitioning from corporate executive to board executive
• Some crucial areas to consider in conducting your Due Diligence for potential board roles

Transitioning from executive to company director is both exciting and daunting and it is imperative to carefully think through whether the board role you are contemplating is a good fit.

If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on The Crucial Role of Authenticity in Achieving Success in the Boardroom with Lisa Chung AM, check out Episode 01.